There is nothing quite like watching Humphrey Bogart fall in love with his wife, Lauren Bacall. She is absolutely disarming, holding nothing back from seducing Bogart on-screen. They literally fall in love on-screen. This is legendary Hollywood at it’s best.

Betty Joan Perske had been a model and was invited to do a screen test for this film in 1944. Betty would soon become Lauren Bacall.

“I just saw your screen test,” Bogart said to Bacall. “I think we’re going to have a lot of fun together.”

And so it began.

This film is more than just a movie.

This is Sexy Cool 101.

Keep it on your DVR, add a little rum cocktail and you are set for a vintage sublime date night.

Spring has truly sprung on Martha’s Vineyard. One of the things I love most about New England is the changing of four actual seasons. When I arrived 3 weeks ago, it was still cold and the leaves and flowers were still waiting for their cue, holed up in their tight buds. With a beautiful Memorial weekend, the island joined in on a resounding, “TA DAA”!

When I am here, there is always something to do to keep up this 135 year old house. It is a job I relish. This summer, I have plans to re-finish furniture, convert the shed into a Pilates studio and maybe, just maybe, build a small deck. It’s a hammer and nails and measuring tape, wood planks, right? I’m sure there is a YouTube for that.

When I retire for the evening, watching old familiar movies is comforting. Especially since my dear husband is in Texas right now. There are some movies I can watch over and over again. Currently, however, I am all about ‘The Avengers”. I saw it again this weekend with my kids, my second time, my daughter’s third. We are hooked. (I want Tony Stark to be real and in my life.) There is something about the familiarity of knowing the lines and what’s coming next that I find reassuring. It is like all is right in the world for 120 minutes. To be honest, we watched Star Wars on Friday night for the, hmmm, 237th time? (It WAS the 35th anniversary!) And, I could still watch again. Continuity can be extremely comforting.

Today, it’s back to work around the Red Door cottage. It is garden day. There are flowers to prune and arrange. And, after a weekend with the kids here, I’m sure a trip to the market is in order, as well. Before I head out, here are my TCM picks for this week. There won’t be as many in the coming weeks since it’s summertime and I hope you are out enjoying it. But, it is nice to have a couple of sure things waiting on the DVR after a long day outside, at the beach or wherever you summer days take you. Enjoy!

Warren Beatty had wanted to only produce this film, with Bob Dylan as his first choice to play Clyde. Warner Bros. had little faith in this violent picture and was given a “B movie” release. After it began to receive critical acclaim, it was re-released with better promotion. The sale of berets soared after Dunaway wore them in this film. Roger Ebert labeled this as the first masterpiece of his then, 6 month old career as a film critic. After Beatty agreed to also star in the title role, he desperately wanted his girlfriend Natalie Wood to co-star as Bonnie. She was going through depression and declined. This is the film debut of Gene Wilder.

I am not usually one for over the top violence, but while the last scene of the film is harrowing and excessive, it is both historically accurate and historic cinematically. Creative gadgets were rigged and the make-up department tested new approaches to making the blood and grisly death scene look very real. AFI #42 Greatest Film of All Time. Filmed in the great state of Texas!

My dear Goldie’s first major film role and she hit it out of the park, winning the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Toni. It had been over 25 years since Bergman had been on a Hollywood soundstage. All of her films had been made in Europe. The film was an adaptation of the 1965 Broadway production that starred Lauren Bacall, Barry Nelson and Brenda Vaccaro as Toni. The movie has a very “Three’s Company” kind of plot, but the chemistry amongst the characters set in 1969 make this a fun, swingin’, easy comedy. Bonus: you’ll celebrate a little redemption if you sat, painfully, through the 2011 remake, “Just Go With It” with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.

This must be the “cool rider” Michelle Pfeiffer really sang about in “Grease 2.” Brando, Harleys, Triumphs, gangs…1950’s cool. Brando rode his own personal Triumph in the film. Lee Marvin had to learn to ride his Harley, not wanting to be shown up by the star, Brando. This was the first film that did not black out the logos of the bikes and, at first, Triumph was none too pleased about being linked with the “Black Rebel” gang, until of course, their sales increased due to the film and Brando. The film is loosely based on an actual incident that happened in Hollister, CA in 1947 and in 1997, a 50th anniversary celebration was held in the same town. This film is iconic Brando as he introduced the long sideburns that inspired Elvis and James Dean. Before there was “Be like Han.”, everyone wanted to “Be like Brando.”

Sunday June 3

10:00 AM

TALK OF THE TOWN, THE (1942) An escaped political prisoner and a stuffy law professor vie for the hand of a spirited schoolteacher. Dir: George Stevens Cast: Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, Ronald Coleman. BW-117 mins, TV-G, CC

One of my personal favorites, well…it IS Cary Grant! But also, Jean Arthur is always precious and Ronald Coleman, that smooth British accent is like poetry. This is drama intersecting with screwball comedy. This film marked the first time Coleman was second billed below another male lead. 1942 proved to be a busy year for Lloyd Bridges. His minute role in this film was one of 20 small appearances he made in that year. Don’t blink or you’ll miss him!

This is for my kids…all four of them. They loved this movie when they were little, each passing it down to the next kid. This film had a long run in the Stallings’ house. The only Annie production we enjoyed more was when our two older girls had parts in their Community Theatre production. Ah, good times, good times. Film nuggets: Jack Nicholson was originally signed to play Daddy Warbucks. Steve Martin had to drop out of playing Rooster since he was in the middle of breaking up with Bernadette Peters and he thought it to be too painful. Drew Barrymore auditioned for the role of Annie. In total, over 8000 girls were interviewed over two years for this coveted role.

A Hollywood homage to women power, with 130 roles in this film…all women. Every animal used in the film…female. All works of art seen in the background are of the female form. Cattiness over top billing, being fashionably late, playing favorites and general bickering ran amuck just under the surface of this amazing ensemble cast, although they never showed it and pretended to be fabulous friends. A great documentary would have been the making of this film with these female power houses. This is the film debut of Butterfly McQueen. As of this post, the only surviving cast member is Joan Fontaine. Again, much better than the modern 2008 remake with Meg Ryan and Annette Bening.

12:00 AM

STING, THE (1973) Two con men hit the big time to take on a gangster in ’30s Chicago. Dir: George Roy Hill Cast: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Eileen Brennan. C-129 mins, TV-MA, CC, Letterbox Format

Won 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Edith Head won her 8th and final Oscar for Best Costume Design. The second film for the leads to play together, the first Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid. At the time, Redford and Newman were considered the most handsome and bankable Hollywood stars. The only time Redford has been nominated for an acting Oscar. Robert Shaw had injured himself just prior to shooting and his limp was written into the script. He had to wear a leg brace during the production. The diner where Hooker meets Lonnegan is the same diner interior used in “Back to the Future”, as both movies were shot on the Universal backlot. Although Redford enjoyed his time making this film, he did not see the actual movie until 2004. This film set a standard for the fun, caper film with a smart, trick ending. The characters were so beloved that audiences didn’t feel “stung” or duped, they simply flocked to see it again and again. Comforting, classic continuity.

It is a cool, dark, rainy day in New England, perfect for old movies. This is why I always check the TCM schedule and set my DVR for upcoming classic films. On evenings like tonight, I don’t have to lament that, even with 500 channels, there is nothing on TV! My DVR is usually at capacity with masterpiece movies. To me, it is like having a well-stocked pantry, in case of a storm. Here are my pics for this week’s classic films.

CST

Tuesday May 22

2:00 AM GILDA (1946) A gambler discovers an old flame in South America, but she’s married to his new boss. Dir: Charles Vidor Cast: Rita Hayworth, Glenn Ford, George Macready. BW-110 mins, TV-PG, CC

Ladies, take note: THIS is a siren performance. Hayworth performing “Put the Blame on Mame” shows how sexy can be sexier without getting graphic. This is the movie that the prisoners cheer in “The Shawshank Redemption” as Hayworth does her famous hair flip. The sexual tension between Ford and Hayworth doesn’t just simmer, it boils over. This is classic, sexy 40’s noir and Hayworth is the definition of “femme fatale.” Oh, and if you’ve ever wondered why the government’s nuclear testing bomb was named “Gilda”…well, you’ll see.

This would be the Memorial Weekend blockbuster of its time. Star actors, lavish drama, great storyline, amazing special effects for 1936; definitely the blueprint for all of those 70’s disaster films. See if you can spot MacDonald’s opera gown that would later become Glinda’s costume in ‘The Wizard of Oz.” MacDonald and Gable are amazing in their roles, as they did not care for each other off-screen and never spoke to each other off camera.

Not the conniving, chain-smoking Davis, but a sweet, warm and innocent Davis. Barbara O’Neil earned an Oscar nomination for the crazy jealous wife in this tragic story based on a true 1840 French scandal. Most of the budget for this film went to sets and costumes, Davis’ in particular with 37 dresses. O’Neil had just played the mother of Scarlett in “Gone With The Wind”. Davis’ bed in this film is the same bed used in “Gone With The Wind” in Scarlett’s bedroom after she marries Rhett.

A little known, total buzz-kill, downer masterpiece. But, quite possibly the most powerful war film ever made since Hitler himself banned it and all future MGM films from Nazi occupied Europe. The German ambassador to the U.S. warned Louis B. Mayer about releasing the film; the U.S. had not yet entered WWII. This film is considered to be one of the most accurate accounts of the shift in attitudes as Hitler came into power. A must for history buffs.

With the passing this week of Donna Summer and Robin Gibb, I am feeling quite nostalgic for my youth. (Irene. Irene Cara, please take care of yourself.) Can I even express how bad I wanted to be IN this movie? Oh, God! NYC, leg warmers, plastic dance pants and busting out into “Hot Lunch Jam!” I wasn’t the only one. Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze. Michelle Pfeiffer and Madonna all tested for roles. Fun Fact: This was the first VHS I ever rented. Fun Fact #2: There were about 37 movies to choose from, at the time.

All of 1930’s Hollywood royalty in one film. With Cukor directing this Herman Mankiewicz screenplay, this film is considered an essential among film buffs. Listed as #85 on AFI’s 100 Funniest Movies. #85. Made in 1933. Just saying. The simple definition of a timeless classic comedy.

A fun, easy, 90 minute classic film romp. Tracy is hilarious. Taylor, beautiful before she was glamorous. Tracy, of course, wanted Hepburn to play his screen wife, but the producers thought they had too much romantic chemistry to pull off playing a domesticated couple, raising children. ?!?! Exactly. The movie was released the same weekend as Taylor’s real life wedding to Nicky Conrad Hilton, Jr. How’s that for Hollywood marketing? It worked. This movie was a huge financial success and writers started on the sequel, “Father’s Little Dividend” immediately.

I have never seen this movie. “Sleepless in Seattle” is my only reason for listing it; simply based on Tom Hanks and Victor Garber’s emotionally hilarious reference, “…..Trini Lopez…TRINI LOPEZ!” I’ve got nothing.

Hubble. The opening credits are probably my favorite of all time, even with that 70’s disco font. And that last scene, her gloved hand, combing through his hair. You just want a different ending every freaking time! One of my favorite movies ever.

Streisand’s film debut. She won an Academy Award for her performance, but had to share it with Katherine Hepburn (The Lion In Winter); the only tie in Oscar history.

12:00 AM PRINCE OF TIDES, THE (1991)

A troubled man talks to his suicidal sister’s psychiatrist about their family history and falls in love with her in the process.
Dir: Barbra Streisand Cast: Nick Nolte , Barbra Streisand , Blythe Danner .
C-132 mins, TV-MA, CC

Streisand’s real life son, Jason Gould, plays her son in the film. Don Johnson was the original actor slated to play the lead; of course, he was dating Streisand during pre-production. Their relationship had ended by the time she made the film.

Streisand wanted Sydney Poitier (who wouldn’t!) to play the male lead, but the studios balked, claiming audiences were not ready for an interracial couple in a major comedy. That would’ve been amazing!

Filmed under duress, maybe? Producer Ray Stark had to sue Streisand to make this film after she refused and still owed him one picture, under contract. The film was generally panned by most critics and is pretty hit or miss, depending on your true love for Babs.

Tennessee William’s classic play. The film was first offered to Elvis Presley, but his manager, “Colonel” Tom Parker turned it down. He didn’t want Elvis playing a bad guy. But, busting out into song with a ukulele or at the casino pool was a good career choice?!

Talk about the show must go on. Taylor’s husband, Michael Todd was killed on the first day of shooting and she continued on, using her emotion in her acting. Tennessee Williams’ adaptations had all been filmed in black & white up to this point, but when Newman and Taylor were cast, director Brooks insisted on color. He knew the public would flock to see her famously violet eyes and his baby blues. If you made a drinking game based on knocking back every time “Maggie” says “Big Daah-dy” in her southern drawl, you’d most likely be in full blackout, by the end of the film.

Friday April 27

8:30 AMIN THIS OUR LIFE (1942)

A neurotic southerner steals her sister’s husband then vies with her for another man.
Dir: John Huston Cast: Bette Davis , Olivia de Havilland , George Brent .
BW-97 mins, TV-PG, CC

I love Bette Davis movies, period. Especially, when she is a bitch. Nobody does it better and, in this film, she does not disappoint. I also love when she plays opposite, George Brent, with whom she had a tumultuous love affair. Their on-screen chemistry is riveting. Personal fun fact: I could listen to George Brent read the phone book.

“STELLA!” Truly, an acting orgy. Three Oscar-winning performances, with some of the most powerful acting captured on film. My favorite scene: Brando slamming down his chicken in the dinner scene with Leigh and Hunter. He goes from stoic to crazed anger in less than a second. Stunning. (Brando in a fitted tee; also stunning.) The film was shot in only 36 days. And, God bless Vivian Leigh, who suffered from bipolar disorder, often confused her life for that of Blanche Dubois in her later days.

I have Netflixed and DVR’d this movie so many times and have never seen it from beginning to end! Maybe because there are no female speaking roles. It is the longest film, 227 minutes, without any speaking by a woman. I will try and give it another go. “Tis I, Pee-tra O’Toole!” (Sorry. A short homage to SNL’s Bill Hader.)

The gorgeous music is actually performed by Isaac Stern and when you see close-ups of the violin, you are seeing Stern’s hands playing. John Garfield was a very popular actor at the time of his sudden death at the age of 39. His funeral was mobbed by thousands of distraught fans. But, today, you hardly hear of any big John Garfield fans or see his face memorialized on posters or purses with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean or Humphrey Bogart.

Written by Ray Bradbury who agreed to the movie if Rod Steiger was cast. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, this film has the record for longest time applying make-up each day, at 20 hours.

Audrey Hepburn turned down the role because she felt it too painful because of her own war experiences. Also, at 30, she felt she was too old to play a teenager convincingly and do the film the justice it deserved. Spoiler alert: well, yeah…you know.

Peck and Mitchum are riveting in this creepy thriller. In the last fight scene, Peck actually punches Mitchum, but the scene continued. Mitchum said he went to his dressing room and collapsed, having never been hit so hard! You can’t mess with Gregory Peck.

Remember Ross’s inner dialogue on Friends? “She was the one that wanted to rent ‘Logan’s Run,’ the sexiest movie ever.” (Quick Trivia: Name that episode of Friends!)

22 Sunday

12:00 PM MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN (1936) When he inherits a fortune, a small-town poet has to deal with the corruption of city life. Dir: Frank Capra Cast: Gary Cooper , Jean Arthur , George Bancroft . BW-116 mins, TV-G, CC

A fabulous Capra feel good movie. Look for Bess Flowers as an extra in this movie. Nicknamed “Queen of the Hollywood Extras” Flowers appeared in over 700 movies, 21 were Oscar nominations for Best Picture, of which 5 won. This makes Bess a record holder for an actor appearing in the most Best Picture winning films.

One of my go to films if I’m sick in bed or on a rainy afternoon. Watch for the canal scene; when Hepburn falls into the canal, one of her eyes became infected. That infection stayed with her the rest of her life. Also, her wardrobe: Classic Hepburn Style! This movie is divine inspiration for Living Lola.